In a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Alex Newhook emerged as the hero with a late-game stunner, securing his second goal of the night and leading the Montreal Canadiens to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. The win put an end to the Canadiens' four-game losing streak, providing a much-needed boost to their morale.

The dynamic duo of Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson also contributed to the Canadiens' offensive prowess, each finding the back of the net. Goaltender Sam Montembeault showcased his skill with an impressive 30 saves, playing a pivotal role in securing the Canadiens' second road victory in six games.

Montembeault expressed the significance of the win, stating, "It's obviously big for us. We're on the road for like 10 days here, so we wanted to really get the first one here." The Canadiens faced a challenging road trip, and this triumph was a crucial step in the right direction.

The game saw a formidable performance from Mason McTavish of the Ducks, who notched two goals and an assist, along with a goal and an assist from Frank Vatrano. Despite their efforts, the Ducks suffered their fourth consecutive loss, leaving head coach Greg Cronin searching for answers.

"We were winning them a month ago," Cronin lamented, highlighting the narrow margins by which the Ducks fell short in recent contests. The intensity of the game was palpable as Montreal squandered leads of 2-0 and 3-1, only for Newhook to swoop in during the final moments and secure the victory.

Newhook's game-winning goal, the result of a perfectly executed 2-on-1 rush with Jake Evans, marked a turning point for the Canadiens, securing only their third win in the last 10 games. Evans acknowledged the team's challenges in the third period, stating, "It's great when you pull it out at the end, but a lot more to clean up still."

The Ducks, despite a valiant effort led by McTavish and Vatrano, found themselves unable to break the reliance on their top line. Vatrano's equalizer in the third period showcased the team's potential, but Cronin emphasized the need for a more balanced effort.

As the Canadiens now savor this hard-earned victory, the challenges of the road trip behind them, they look ahead to building on this momentum and addressing the areas that still require attention. The rollercoaster of emotions in this game serves as a microcosm of the unpredictable nature of hockey, keeping fans and players alike eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter on the ice.

In a remarkable display of youthful talent, the Anaheim Ducks showcased their future stars as Mason McTavish, Tristan Luneau, Leo Carlsson, and defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, with the secondary assist, all under the age of 21, contributed points in the same game. This achievement marked the Ducks as the fourth team in the last 30 years to boast such a quartet of young contributors. The last team to achieve this feat was the 2011-12 Colorado Avalanche, featuring Ryan O'Reilly, Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, and Stefan Elliott.

Montreal swiftly countered, with Mike Matheson unleashing a precise wrist shot from the high slot just 56 seconds later, reestablishing a two-goal lead for the Canadiens. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, as both teams displayed resilience and determination.

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis commended his team's competitive spirit, stating, "I loved our compete level. We found a way to win it. Could it have gone the other way? Absolutely. But this team needed a win tonight, and we found a way." The victory was a crucial morale boost for the Canadiens, who faced a challenging stretch on the road.

Looking ahead, the Canadiens are set to visit San Jose on Friday, aiming to build on the momentum gained from this hard-fought win. Meanwhile, the Ducks will host Los Angeles on Friday, seeking to bounce back from their fourth straight loss and showcase the promising talent of their young roster.

As the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of a thrilling contest, the sentiment "tout est beau, Monty a été nourri" echoed through the Canadiens' camp, signifying satisfaction and a well-deserved celebration. Snacks have been secured, and the Canadiens will carry this momentum into their upcoming challenges, fully aware of the unpredictable nature of the game they love.

This report by The Canadian Press, capturing the essence of a memorable game, was first published on November 22, 2023, immortalizing the night when youth shone bright in the NHL. #GoHabsGo